We've all done it! It is easy to make that simple mistake in an email or on a resume that still looks right at a glance. Careless errors can be the kiss of death in any professional correspondence. Here are some easy errors to look out for and make sure you proofread even after click on spell check.
10 Common Errors “Spell Check” Won’t Catch
While we can rely on a spell checker to catch glaring errors, a computer can’t pick up on all careless mistakes, especially if the word could be correct in a different context. Often word misuse is our mistake. The English language is full of homonyms, or words that have different meanings but sound and look similar, which makes it easy to confuse proper usage. For instance, verbally, you might not even notice the difference between "your" and "you’re." But in print, the error can lead the reader to perceive you as less intelligent than you are. For this reason, it's important to spell check and proofread your documents, especially for the following common misuses, which are so easy to make, you might even have to check your document a couple times to catch them.
Its versus It’s (and all other apostrophes):
According to a copy editing instructor for California-based copy editing service provider Edicetera, confusing "its" and "it’s" is the most common error in the English language. That one minuscule apostrophe (or lack thereof) drastically changes the meaning of the entire sentence. "It’s" is a contraction of "it is," whereas "its" refers to possession. Also, watch out for "your" versus "you’re."
Sales versus Sails
Can you imagine writing on your resume that you "increased sails by 20 percent”?! Unless you’re applying to a job for a sail boat manufacturer, this careless mistake will probably get your resume sailing right into the recycling bin.
Affect versus Effect
There is a lot of confusion around this one but here’s the rule: "Affect" is a verb and "effect" is a noun. It’s as simple as that.
Would Have NOT Would of
The subtlety in pronunciation leads to the rampant misuse of this phrase; however "would of" is never correct and may make you appear as if you are not well-read.
Through versus Threw
"He threw the ball through the window." "Threw" is a verb and "through" is a preposition. And speaking of "through," be careful to make sure you don’t actually mean "thorough" or vice versa. The slight variation in spelling will not be picked up by a computer, but writing "I am through" when you mean "I am thorough" is quite ironic, don’t you think?
Then versus Than
Six is more than five; after five then comes six. "Than" refers to a comparison, while "then" refers to a subsequent event.
Supposed To NOT Suppose To
"Suppose" is a verb, meaning to think or to ponder. The correct way to express a duty is to write, "I was supposed to..."
Wonder versus Wander
You can wander around while you wonder why "wander" and "wonder" have such different meanings, yet sound oh so similar.
Their versus There versus They’re
OK, once and for all: "Their" is possessive; "there" refers to distance; and "they’re" is a contraction of "they are."
Farther versus Further
While both words refer to distance, grammarians distinguish "farther" as physical distance and "further" as metaphorical distance. You can dive further into a project, for instance, or you can dive farther into the ocean.
We know we missed many common careless errors. What mistakes do you see most often?
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Don't Forget Original Time Sheets
Please be sure to get us your original time cards each week. They are due by 1pm every Monday. We need the white, yellow and pink copies. You can keep the blue and the green is for the client. You may fax a copy on Monday to get the process started, but we need for you to mail or drop off the original each week. Time sheets are in important part of our billing cycle and without them, we may be unable to get our employees paid on time. If we are missing more than one week, we will not be able to process your paycheck until we receive the missing time sheets.
If you do not have any original time sheets, please contact us and we can get them to you. Please do not re-use faxed time sheets.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
If you do not have any original time sheets, please contact us and we can get them to you. Please do not re-use faxed time sheets.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Holiday and Vacation Policy
VACATION PAY
Paid vacations are our way of thanking you for your continuous service. You are eligible for one 40 hour vacation check after completing 1800 hours within a 12 month period, including overtime. Pay is based on your average rate of compensation. Please talk to your DISCOVER STAFFING representative for a vacation request form. Vacation pay must be requested within 30 days of eligibility. You must be on an assignment to receive vacation pay.
HOLIDAY PAY
Completion of 1200 career hours, including overtime, will qualify you for paid holiday. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and day after the holiday. The holiday must fall on a week day. DISCOVER STAFFING recognizes the following Federal Holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
*Payrolled Employees are not eligible for DISCOVER STAFFING benefits.
Paid vacations are our way of thanking you for your continuous service. You are eligible for one 40 hour vacation check after completing 1800 hours within a 12 month period, including overtime. Pay is based on your average rate of compensation. Please talk to your DISCOVER STAFFING representative for a vacation request form. Vacation pay must be requested within 30 days of eligibility. You must be on an assignment to receive vacation pay.
HOLIDAY PAY
Completion of 1200 career hours, including overtime, will qualify you for paid holiday. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and day after the holiday. The holiday must fall on a week day. DISCOVER STAFFING recognizes the following Federal Holidays:
• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
*Payrolled Employees are not eligible for DISCOVER STAFFING benefits.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Independence Day Holiday
DISCOVER STAFFING will be closed on Monday, July 5th. Time sheets are due no later than Noon on Tuesday, July 6th. Paychecks will be available on Thursday, July 8th.
Don't forget our Holiday Policy:
HOLIDAY PAY
Completion of 1200 career hours, including overtime, will qualify you for paid holiday. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and day after the holiday. The holiday must fall on a week day.
Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July weekend!
Don't forget our Holiday Policy:
HOLIDAY PAY
Completion of 1200 career hours, including overtime, will qualify you for paid holiday. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and day after the holiday. The holiday must fall on a week day.
Have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July weekend!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
This 4th of July, Support our Troops with a letter from home!
Go to www.uso.org
Click on “What We Do” and go to “View Messages to the Troops”
Once there, you can enter your own message of gratitude to help lift the spirits of those serving our country.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Memorial Day Holiday
Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer! DISCOVER STAFFING will be closed on Monday, May 31st. Time sheets are due no later than Noon on Tuesday, June 1st. Paychecks will be available on Thursday, June 3rd.
Remember, to qualify for holiday pay you must have worked 1200 career hours. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and after.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend, and give our Veterans a moment of quiet gratitude.
Remember, to qualify for holiday pay you must have worked 1200 career hours. You must work a minimum of 24 hours during the holiday work week and work the scheduled day before and after.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend, and give our Veterans a moment of quiet gratitude.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Summer Dress Code Policy
DISCOVER STAFFING encourages our employees to follow the dress code policies for each of our client sites, however there are always some good rules to follow. You can see our official dress code policy here.
However, today Anthony Balderrama posted the 10 Taboos for Summer Attire in the Office.
10 Taboos for Summer Attire in the Office
By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer
When you discuss fashion, you have to acknowledge that no strict rules apply to everyone. For some professions, a suit is the de rigueur attire. In other industries, work clothes make more sense. And plenty of organizations fall somewhere between. During the summer, the rules get even murkier because everyone has his or her own idea of what's appropriate. And if you've taken a look around, you know some people really take liberties with their wardrobe.
Because we can't address every possible mistake for every workplace, we've put together some guidelines that work for many workplaces. Maybe only nine of the 10 tips apply to your company. Still, the bottom line is that you should put some thought into what you wear, because your wardrobe affects your professional reputation.
Here are 10 summer-attire taboos:
1. Flip-flops
Professional or dressy sandals are acceptable in many workplaces, and you know better than anyone if you work in such a place. Flip-flops and other recreational footwear are rarely acceptable for the same reason blowing a bubble with gum in a meeting is inappropriate: You look out of place and inconsiderate to your audience. Plus, that annoying sound of the flip-flop slapping against your heel will not make you any friends.
2. Bathing suits in any form
This tip might sound obvious, and hopefully it is. However, in case it's not, remember that sprucing up your bathing suit with a nice shirt, a belt, shorts or any other accessory will not fool anyone. If you're going straight to the pool after work, just change your clothes in the bathroom or a private office when the day is over.
3. Sunglasses indoors
You're not Bono. Yes, the sunlight is blinding when you walk outside or drive to work, but sunglasses don't belong indoors. People can't tell if you're paying attention to them when your eyes are hidden behind dark lenses, and everyone will wonder if your pupils were just dilated.
4. Shorts
Shorts automatically take the professional image down a notch, which could be a good thing for some places. For example, if you walk into a store that sells surfboards and wetsuits, you want to be greeted by someone in shorts and a tee, not a suit and briefcase. In most workplaces, however, shorts detract from a professional demeanor. Even nice shorts that are more suited for a day the country club than an afternoon painting your kitchen aren't as pulled together as a pair of pants.
5. Tank tops
Regardless of the season, you should be wary of showing too much skin. In the summer, tank tops are prevalent in many wardrobes, and you might be tempted to sport one to work. Don't. From an aesthetic standpoint, tanks make people think of a six-pack of beer, not of a six-figure salary. A professional look should lean more toward the latter.
Another issue that exists in some organizations is the idea that no one, male or female, should have bare arms. Remember when Michelle Obama took flak for her sleeveless blouses? As with many of these tips, use your best judgment. Unless your occupation involves some form of labor where sleeves affect your work, you should keep your upper arms covered.
6. Apparel that smells like or carries remnants of the beach
Who doesn't love the beach? The sun, the waves lapping against the shore, the sand between your toes. If you need to bring a starfish home as a vacation souvenir, by all means, do it. Just don't wear your beach clothes to the office -- especially if they have that aroma of fresh ocean life or are leaving a trail of sand behind you. If, by some chance, your beach wardrobe is suitable for your workplace, at least have the good sense to run it through the washer once or twice.
7. Funny shirts or shirts from your vacation destination
Your "I'm Not as Think as You Drunk I Am" shirt might make your best friends laugh, but your boss, colleagues and customers or clients will disagree. Clothing shouldn't announce itself, so steer clear of humor. And shirts bearing the name of your last vacation destination ("Mexico!" or "Missouri: The Show Me State") will probably make your overworked colleagues begrudge your time off.
8. Not being prepared
Even if you're allowed to be casual during the summer, have a backup outfit or piece of clothing to dress up your attire. If you're in jeans and a plain T-shirt and your biggest client calls a last-minute meeting, it wouldn't hurt to have a least a blazer or nicer shirt on hand. Being prepared is never a bad thing.
9. Anything see-through.
Another tip that should go without saying, but just in case: Skin and undergarments should not be seen through the fabric you're wearing. Lightweight linen that's breezy and comfortable on the beach is inappropriate at work, not to mention uncomfortable for your co-workers.
10. Testing the limits
If your employer gives you wiggle room with the dress code by using words such as "appropriate" and "reasonable" to describe acceptable attire, use your brain. A ketchup-stained T-shirt, scandalously short shorts and dilapidated tennis shoes are acceptable in your personal life, but not at work. And you know that. So don't ruin summer wardrobes for everyone.
Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, "The Work Buzz." He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.
However, today Anthony Balderrama posted the 10 Taboos for Summer Attire in the Office.
10 Taboos for Summer Attire in the Office
By Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer
When you discuss fashion, you have to acknowledge that no strict rules apply to everyone. For some professions, a suit is the de rigueur attire. In other industries, work clothes make more sense. And plenty of organizations fall somewhere between. During the summer, the rules get even murkier because everyone has his or her own idea of what's appropriate. And if you've taken a look around, you know some people really take liberties with their wardrobe.
Because we can't address every possible mistake for every workplace, we've put together some guidelines that work for many workplaces. Maybe only nine of the 10 tips apply to your company. Still, the bottom line is that you should put some thought into what you wear, because your wardrobe affects your professional reputation.
Here are 10 summer-attire taboos:
1. Flip-flops
Professional or dressy sandals are acceptable in many workplaces, and you know better than anyone if you work in such a place. Flip-flops and other recreational footwear are rarely acceptable for the same reason blowing a bubble with gum in a meeting is inappropriate: You look out of place and inconsiderate to your audience. Plus, that annoying sound of the flip-flop slapping against your heel will not make you any friends.
2. Bathing suits in any form
This tip might sound obvious, and hopefully it is. However, in case it's not, remember that sprucing up your bathing suit with a nice shirt, a belt, shorts or any other accessory will not fool anyone. If you're going straight to the pool after work, just change your clothes in the bathroom or a private office when the day is over.
3. Sunglasses indoors
You're not Bono. Yes, the sunlight is blinding when you walk outside or drive to work, but sunglasses don't belong indoors. People can't tell if you're paying attention to them when your eyes are hidden behind dark lenses, and everyone will wonder if your pupils were just dilated.
4. Shorts
Shorts automatically take the professional image down a notch, which could be a good thing for some places. For example, if you walk into a store that sells surfboards and wetsuits, you want to be greeted by someone in shorts and a tee, not a suit and briefcase. In most workplaces, however, shorts detract from a professional demeanor. Even nice shorts that are more suited for a day the country club than an afternoon painting your kitchen aren't as pulled together as a pair of pants.
5. Tank tops
Regardless of the season, you should be wary of showing too much skin. In the summer, tank tops are prevalent in many wardrobes, and you might be tempted to sport one to work. Don't. From an aesthetic standpoint, tanks make people think of a six-pack of beer, not of a six-figure salary. A professional look should lean more toward the latter.
Another issue that exists in some organizations is the idea that no one, male or female, should have bare arms. Remember when Michelle Obama took flak for her sleeveless blouses? As with many of these tips, use your best judgment. Unless your occupation involves some form of labor where sleeves affect your work, you should keep your upper arms covered.
6. Apparel that smells like or carries remnants of the beach
Who doesn't love the beach? The sun, the waves lapping against the shore, the sand between your toes. If you need to bring a starfish home as a vacation souvenir, by all means, do it. Just don't wear your beach clothes to the office -- especially if they have that aroma of fresh ocean life or are leaving a trail of sand behind you. If, by some chance, your beach wardrobe is suitable for your workplace, at least have the good sense to run it through the washer once or twice.
7. Funny shirts or shirts from your vacation destination
Your "I'm Not as Think as You Drunk I Am" shirt might make your best friends laugh, but your boss, colleagues and customers or clients will disagree. Clothing shouldn't announce itself, so steer clear of humor. And shirts bearing the name of your last vacation destination ("Mexico!" or "Missouri: The Show Me State") will probably make your overworked colleagues begrudge your time off.
8. Not being prepared
Even if you're allowed to be casual during the summer, have a backup outfit or piece of clothing to dress up your attire. If you're in jeans and a plain T-shirt and your biggest client calls a last-minute meeting, it wouldn't hurt to have a least a blazer or nicer shirt on hand. Being prepared is never a bad thing.
9. Anything see-through.
Another tip that should go without saying, but just in case: Skin and undergarments should not be seen through the fabric you're wearing. Lightweight linen that's breezy and comfortable on the beach is inappropriate at work, not to mention uncomfortable for your co-workers.
10. Testing the limits
If your employer gives you wiggle room with the dress code by using words such as "appropriate" and "reasonable" to describe acceptable attire, use your brain. A ketchup-stained T-shirt, scandalously short shorts and dilapidated tennis shoes are acceptable in your personal life, but not at work. And you know that. So don't ruin summer wardrobes for everyone.
Anthony Balderrama is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, "The Work Buzz." He researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/abalderrama.
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